Sunday, September 26, 2010

[ItzToday.com] Hollywood Movie: Wall Street Review

[ItzToday.com] Hollywood Movie: Wall Street Review


Hollywood Movie: Wall Street Review

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 04:26 AM PDT

Hollywood Movie: Wall Street ReviewFilm: "Wall Street - Money Never Sleeps"; Director: Oliver Stone; Cast: Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Josh Brolin, Carey Mulligan, Susan Sarandon; Rating:***1/2

"Wall Street" in 1987 defined the greedy, materialistic America of its time, a place where everything was okay as long as it led to financial success. It turns out, with its sequel, that nothing much has changed, that whereas once "greed was good, now it's legal" even when financial bubbles all around burst.

"Money Never Sleeps" begins with the release of Gordon Gekko (Douglas) from prison. He holds a grudge against a man due to whom he spent a longer term in prison than was needed.

But if you thought his greed had subsided due to stay in prison, after the first half, you'll realize that now it's only bigger and stronger, mixed as it is with vengeance.

The smart investor manipulates his own daughter Winnie (Mulligan) and her wall street executive beau Jake (LaBeouf) to ride the financial wave once again, even as the financial bubble collapses in 2008.

It was obvious that the global financial meltdown of the last two years would provide the setting for this film. But where it scores, is in its departure from the first. America of Oliver Stone, and otherwise too, is still what it was, only the financial meltdown, gives Stone the opportunity to tell his audience of what is truly important in life, time, love, children and family.

Fans of the first "Wall Street" would be a little disappointed with the slower pace of this one and it's moody, reflective nature. But the bursting of the financial bubble hopefully left audiences with enough time and thoughts to reflect on things that are moneyed, and those that no money can buy - true love and family.

To go beyond the money, Stone introduces some interesting quirks in his characters. Gekko's estranged daughter now runs a little website that digs for the truth. And though she falls for an investment banker, she disapproves of his avarice and greed. And when she gets pregnant and realizes how her hubby had cheated her, she keeps him away, wanting to keep greed away from the one yet to be born.

Therein lies Stone's message and hope for our materialistic society: That perhaps the new generation will discard the greed of their fathers and better the world.

The cast does well in the hands of Stone, who also shows his adeptness while taking jibes at the new way of doing business on Wall Street, where computers and impersonal statistics take away the little human interaction of the past. He also uses techniques he hasn't used before like split-screens and long camera pans.

Stone uses obvious analogy in the film of falling dominoes and bubbles to depict the current situation. And he hits the bulls and the bears right between the eyes, when he makes the comment about a collapsed system for which "everyone is responsible".

That's what the world has indeed come to. And in the morally ambiguous Gekko, one is left wondering whether he is entirely to be blamed or are we equally responsible for what has happened to the world? The answer won't be an easy one.


Hollywood Movie: Beauty And The Beast (3D) Review

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 04:21 AM PDT

Hollywood Movie: Beauty And The Beast (3D) ReviewFilm: "Beauty And The Beast (3D)"; Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise; Cast: Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White; Rating: ****

It is an eternal fairy tale that has had as many rebirths as the dozens of decades it's been with us. It has even been spoofed in "Shrek". Yet, the most enduring one of all, remains Disney's 1991 classic "Beauty and the Beast". The same film comes back on screen, in an all new shiny 3D.

The story is skin-deep and yet deeper like its message. A beautiful girl hates an ugly beast she is forced to live with in a palace till she discovers that true beauty lies way deeper than the surface and that behind the bestiality of the beast lies a kind, gentle soul.

This 1991 musical thrilled audiences with its enchanting romance, melody, quirky, delectable characters, drama, suspense and intrigue. What you find is that the film still hold powers deep within that no number of sequels with kids on flying brooms can touch. Simplicity still enchants, and tugs at your heartstrings, even if you choose to ignore the near perfect rendering in 3D to suit our jazzed up times.

The animation may seem to you outdated, considering that it was hand-painted in traditional Disney style, and not the perfect computer-generated wizardry of modern animation films. Yet, with 3D it becomes an impeccable mix of old world animation and modern technical excellence. Still beyond at the core of it is story telling in all its simplicity and beauty.

For hidden behind the skin of this simple fairy tale is an eternal lesson for all of us that true beauty is in the heart, not face.

It is a lesson that becomes more pertinent in the world that we inhabit today where material things and outward appearances have become more important than heart, soul and intention of a matter, a person, a thing or an emotion.

Watch it not because it is 3D and bigger, better and shinier to look at, but because this film has a soul like few others. Watch it because you missed it back in 1991.


Priyanka Chopra escapes Brazilian man's excessive attention

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 04:17 AM PDT

Priyanka Chopra escapes Brazilian man's excessive attentionPriyanka Chopra had a close encounter with some overt amorous attention in Rio de Janeiro where she has just packed up shooting for a reality show.

A local hot-blooded well-to-do businessman, apparently of substantial good looks, insisted on trailing her everywhere with his marriage proposals.

Even while boarding her flight for the 25-hour journey back to Mumbai Wednesday morning, Priyanka anxiously looked back to see if the Brazilian suitor was still following her to India.

"Brazilian men turned out to be a little too upfront for me. They don't waste time in making their moves. This one didn't ask me out. He asked me to marry him right away. I don't think I am interested in marrying any foreigners. Only an Indian guy for me, thanks," Priyanka said.

One reason why she got so much male attention from the locals was her Brazilian tan. "I was bronzed, tanned and dressed rather Brazilian. Maybe they mistook me for a local girl," says the actress.

Exhausted Priyanka was in no mood to get jetlagged on her flight back to Mumbai. "The minute I land, I start promoting my new film 'Anjaana Anjaani'. After a fortnight, I head to Berlin for shooting Farhan Akhtar's 'Don 2'. I don't even have time to spend with my family. I missed them in Rio. I am going to sleep the minute the plane takes off," Priyanka said.

Looking back at the experience of hosting "Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi" Priyanka said: "I was determined I'd be stern, authoritative and in-charge. Nobody should think I should be soft because I am a woman. At the risk of offending the contestants, I was at my bullying best."

Priyanka regrets not being able to find enough time to spend with the contestants. "There was just time to shoot the stunts. I had just one day off and I decided to de-stress on the beach. I didn't get any time to shop and bought the famous Brazilian Hawaiian slippers only at the airport."

She got along well with all the contestants but confesses to having developed a soft corner for Manjot Singh. "I nicknamed him Komal Khiladi. And the most heartstopping moment of all the stunts was when Navjot fainted in the freezing water."


Hollywood Diva Kate Moss is a style icon

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 04:12 AM PDT

Hollywood Diva Kate Moss is a style iconFashion consultant Amanda Ross thinks model Kate Moss is the ultimate style icon because she has a unique look.

The "Lipstick Jungle" stylist, who is the global fashion director for W Hotels Worldwide, says she is a huge fan of the supermodel's dress sense because she has her own unique look and is always so well turned out, femalefirst.co.uk reported.

"I really love how Kate Moss looks. She knows a style that's good for her and always looks great. She's such a trendsetter too. I also like the way Charlize Theron and Marion Cotillard dress as they always look so elegant and sophisticated," Ross said.


Dannii Minogue, Sharon Osbourne feud reignites

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 04:02 AM PDT

Dannii Minogue, Sharon Osbourne feud reignitesPop star Dannii Minogue has reignited her bitter feud with Sharon Osbourne by banning her from her "The X Factor" dressing room.

The pair, who regularly clashed on the show when they were both judges, are set to come face-to-face again at this year's live finals.

Sharon is back as a mentor for Louis Walsh's singers and, asked about the prospect of them meeting, to which Dannii replied: "She is welcome anytime, just not in my dressing room," mirror.co.uk quoted her as saying.

In her new autobiography, Dannii says Sharon "bowled in" to her dressing room and screamed abuse at her when she started on X Factor in 2007, causing the rift.

Sharon's daughter Kelly has hit back at her by branding Dannii "the devil".


Julia Roberts says Brad Pitt is a great boss to work under

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 03:55 AM PDT

Julia Roberts says Brad Pitt is a great boss to work underHollywood actress Julia Roberts has appreciated actor Brad Pitt for his job as executive producer, insisting he was the perfect boss while filming the movie "Eat Pray Love".

"He is great because he leaves us all alone and lets us do the jobs that he's entrusted us with, and then you just get the occasional visit or occasional email that is encouraging and sweet. He's a lovely person," dailyexpress.co.uk quoted Julia as saying.

Pitt was behind the camera on the set of the film, which stars Julia as real-life writer Liz Gilbert, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery around the world.


Hollywood Actress Sandra Bullock is the one I want to work with: Ryan Reynolds

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 03:50 AM PDT

Hollywood Actress Sandra Bullock is the one I want to work with: Ryan ReynoldsActor Ryan Reynolds wants to reunite with Oscar winning actress Sandra Bullock for his next film.

"Me and Sandra have been friends for a long time and I'd love to make that happen. So maybe down the line. Look, there could be something in development but there's no script as yet," he said.

He starred with her in "The Proposal".

Ryan, who is married to Scarlett Johansson, has been friends with Sandra for over a decade and insists she is one of the nicest people he has met in Hollywood.

"My producing partner is incredibly close with her (Sandra). I met Sandra through him about 11 years ago and we've been good friends ever since. I never thought we'd do a film together, but it worked out," femalefirst.co.uk quoted him as saying.

However, Sandra's spokesperson Kevin Huvane has shot down the reports insisting nothing had been agreed.

"She is simply attached to the project, which is currently in development. This is not her next film.

"There are several projects of many different genres that Ms Bullock is presently considering and has not committed to any of them at this time," he said


Lady Gaga, Madonna gives advice to Lambert

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 03:44 AM PDT

Lady Gaga, Madonna gives advice to LambertFormer "American Idol" contestant-turned singer Adam Lambert is getting advice from singing icons like Lady Gaga and Madonna to move up the ladder quickly.

Lambert turned to the singers for tips as his singing career began to take off and he revealed how Lady Gaga gave him "a good pep talk" and told him to work hard, reports dailystar.co.uk.

"Gaga told me about the previous three years. She worked really, really hard before she made it. She told me there's no glamour, you don't get a lot of sleep, you don't get a lot of stability in your social life - you just have to count on yourself and go for it. It was a good pep talk. And she was right," said Lambert.

Lambert is also thankful to Madonna for helping him deal with online critics.

"Madonna told me that you can't get wrapped up in all the media and message boards, that everyone's going to have an opinion. People will criticise you especially when you're doing it well," he said.

"You can't do much better than getting career advice from Madonna. She's the queen, right?," he added.


Hollywood heartthrob Julia Roberts has no weight worries

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 03:38 AM PDT

Hollywood heartthrob Julia Roberts has no weight worriesHollywood actress Julia Roberts, who has three children with her husband Daniel Moder, says she has never been bothered about staying slim and believes it is "sad and disinteresting" that people pay so much attention to the weight of others.

"I'm too old for that c**p. It's so silly, so pointless, and it's motivated by a culture that for some reason finds it entertaining to perpetuate the glorification of our youth. It's really sad and disinteresting. I mean, I know people really suffer and I just think, 'How can they perpetuate that'," contactmusic.com quoted Julia as saying.

The 42-year-old has always been slim, but she doesn't consider it a "personal triumph".

"It's silly to consider it a personal triumph for myself that in almost 24 years in show business - except for being pregnant - I've weighed within about a five to 10lb range. That seems unusual, but I'm lucky I haven't suffered those things."

"I think it's important for us to start perpetuating the healthy, happy way of looking at it as opposed to supporting the negative ideal of what a girl should ideally look like," she said.


Cancer treatment takes toll on Michael Douglas

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 03:33 AM PDT

Cancer treatment takes toll on Michael Douglas Hollywood actor Michael Douglas has been optimistic about his throat cancer treatment, but the stress and strains of radiotherapy and chemotherapy have begun to show on his face.

Within four weeks of the treatment, Douglas looked frail as he was taking his seven-year-old daughter Carys to school in Manhattan, reports dailymail.co.uk.

His face looked drawn and tired and he looked as though he had lost a bit of weight - a possible result of being unable to eat properly because of the cancer treatment.

Recently he had revealed how the treatment has left him with sores in his mouth which make it extremely difficult to eat and swallow.

Still, Douglas, who was dressed in shorts decorated with palm trees, laughed and joked with his daughter.

He has been attending premieres of his film "Wall Street: Money never Sleeps".


English Footballer David Beckham sues tabloid over sex claims

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 03:28 AM PDT

English Footballer David Beckham sues tabloid over sex claimsAce footballer David Beckham has sued a tabloid that reported that he had paid a prostitute to have sex with him.

In the lawsuit filed against In Touch Weekly in the Los Angeles Superior Court, he accuses the tabloid of libel, slander and intentionally causing emotional distress, reports usmagazine.com.

The suit also names 26-year-old Irma Nici, who is quoted as saying she was a call girl who slept with Beckham five times in 2007. She also claims he had sex with a second prostitute.


Singer Kelly Osbourne hides tattoos for film

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 03:24 AM PDT

Singer Kelly Osbourne hides tattoos for filmSinger Kelly Osbourne, who has tattoos on her arms, posed in a tattoo-free body on the set of her new film.

The 25-year-old was dressed in an auburn coloured wig, and matching bronze sequinned minidress with two women dressed identically for a comedy film. Her tattoos were hidden by heavy make-up, reports dailymail.co.uk.

"Getting my tattoos covered up for the movie today!!! And then they were gone!" Osbourne posted on her Twitter page.

The singer is perhaps having second thoughts about her tattoos now.

When one of her Twitter followers asked if she had ever wished she didn't have them... Or thought about removing them, she responded: "...all the time!!! And seeing myself without them makes me want them gone!"


Tamil Movie 'Robot' starring Rajnikanth makes my imagination come true: Shankar

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 03:20 AM PDT

Tamil Movie 'Robot' starring Rajnikanth makes my imagination come true: ShankarAce South Indian director Shankar says he has tried his best to make his wild imagination a reality in much-awaited bilingual sci-film "Robot". He also says his lead actress, Aishwarya Rai, has evolved since the time they worked in "Jeans" together.

"The script was very difficult and I thought up a wild imagination and tried to make all of them come true with the help of the actors and technicians," Shankar told IANS in an interview.

"Robot" has none other than superstar Rajnikant playing the hero. Shankar has made the film in two languages - "Robot" in Hindi and "Endhiran" in Tamil - and they are releasing Oct 1. Apparently, made at a budget of Rs.175 crore ($38 million), it is billed to be the costliest Indian film ever.

The director admits that "Robot" was a tough film to make but added that they finished it before schedule.

"Actually it's a difficult movie and we finished it early. It should have taken a longer time. It's not a normal movie. There are only two or three normal scenes. All other scenes were difficult to execute and it was a tough job for the actors too. When two humans interact, it's very simple but when one human being interacts with a robot, everything is different," Shankar explained.

The director, who teamed up with Aishwarya for the second time after "Jeans" in 1998, says the former Miss World has matured as a better actress over the past decade and is extremely hard working.

"She is now very experienced. In 'Jeans' we had to experiment a lot...which we didn't have to do in 'Robot' and I am able to see her growth in acting. She is so hard working...she works from 7 in the morning till pack-up time. She is not only concerned about her role but is keen about other techniques and other aspects of movie-making... she is now well aware of that," said Shankar.

While he says it was a tough movie to make, he assures that technically advanced "Robot" will appeal to one and all.

"I am fully satisfied with the outcome. It's fully original and it's an Indian science fiction. It's one of the most simple science fiction films anyone has made. People in villages will also be able to understand it easily...it's perfect for the Indian audience," the director said.

"The script is more like an international film. Anyone from anywhere can understand, identify and enjoy the movie," Shankar added.


'Bhindi Bazaar' is for multiplexes, says Britain-based producer

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 03:07 AM PDT

'Bhindi Bazaar' is for multiplexes, says Britain-based producerBritain-based producer Karan Arora says his first Bollywood venture "Bhindi Bazaar", which deals with the issue of pickpocketing in Mumbai, has the global appeal of "Slumdog Millionaire" and elements of "Satya" but is not inspired by them.

"The movie has an international appeal like 'Slumdog Millionaire' and at the same time it has very similar elements of 'Satya'. But there are no inspirations taken from these movies," Arora told IANS in an interview.

The movie deals with the issue of pickpocketing in the infamous and densely populated area of Mumbai's Bhindi Bazaar. The film explores the city's dark underbelly.

" 'Bhindi Bazaar' has everything for multiplex audiences - intelligent screenplay, entertainment with various elements like crime and thrill, among others. It is a thriller but at the same time it is also very realistic," he said.

Arora is the CEO of High Grounds Entertainment Ltd, which started its Indian production house - Picture Thought production - last year.

According to Arora, the motto of the production house is to generate content-based movies.

With the recent success of small-budget, strong content-driven movies like "Peepli Live", Arora feels "Bhindi Bazaar" will appeal to audiences in India.

"People often asked us why didn't we start with a star-studded movie, but our reply was that we just want to first slip into the market, do our homework and test the waters.

"We can make the noises later after proving ourselves. This has been our strategy so far," he added.

With a Hollywood-driven philosophy, Arora says his team spends a lot of time in "script farming".

"Script farming is a word we use in Hollywood. One does a lot of research and reads a lot of scripts before shortlisting a few, potential projects. So far, we have liked three scripts," said Arora.

"One of them is 'Bhindi Bazaar' and the other two are 'Padosi' and 'Let's talk Love'," he added.

"Bhindi Bazaar" was recently showcased at the Cannes Film Festival in France. It has been directed by Ankush Bhatt and has a power-packed star cast comprising Kay Kay Menon, Deepti Naval, Shilpa Shukla, Pawan Malhotra, Gautam Sharma and debutante American artist Caterina Lopez, among others.


Hollywood Actress Teri Hatcher cuts off eyelashes

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 02:55 AM PDT

Hollywood Actress Teri Hatcher cuts off eyelashesActress Teri Hatcher was compelled to wear false eyelashes after she accidentally sliced off her eyelashes during a grooming session.

The "Desperate Housewives" star was tidying up her eyebrows the night before she took part in the recent Nautica Malibu Triathlon in California, but the blade slipped and sliced through her lashes.

"I had one of those mini razors and so I (placed it on my brow) and in this milli second I heard this sound, and I'd shaved off half of my eyelashes," contactmusic.com quoted her as saying.

Hatcher was forced to glue on false lashes so she didn't look foolish while swimming, biking and running the following day and she revealed she's still waiting for the originals to grow back.

"So these are all fake," she added pointing to her eyebrows.


Hollywood Actress Lindsay Lohan to return to rehab

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 02:51 AM PDT

Hollywood Actress Lindsay Lohan to return to rehabTroubled actress Lindsay Lohan is planning to voluntarily check herself back into rehab in the coming days.

According to the sources, after she relapsed just weeks after checking out of UCLA inpatient rehab, the "Mean Girls" star is serious about her recovery.

"She will step up her treatment and do more than what she was previously ordered to do," people.com quoted the source as saying.

The actress was released from a Lynwood, California jail late Friday night after winning an appeal to be granted bail following a failed drug test.

The 24-year-old has been ordered to wear a SCRAM alcohol-monitoring bracelet and must avoid places "where alcohol is the chief item of sale".


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